Underdiagnosed Anxiety and Depression in Lymphoma and Myeloma

Anxiety and depression are serious mental health conditions that can affect your day-to-day life. People with blood cancers like lymphoma and myeloma are not being diagnosed or treated for mental health conditions at the rates they actually occur, even though research indicates high levels of anxiety and depression in this population. Some reasons for this gap in care include:   

• Stigma surrounding mental health conditions
• Lack of routine screening for mental health conditions
• Focus on physical treatment over emotional health

Study Insights: Mental Health in Newly Diagnosed Blood Cancer Patients

A recent study designed to better understand anxiety and depression among individuals newly diagnosed with lymphoma and myeloma found that certain factors influenced the likelihood of experiencing a mental health condition.  When anxiety and depression are not properly treated, they can have a negative impact on overall quality of life. 

Key Findings 

Researchers surveyed 200 adults who had recently been diagnosed with lymphoma and myeloma. The results of the study showed that within 6 months of diagnosis, more than 50% of the people surveyed had symptoms of anxiety or depression that disrupted their daily life.  

There was a strong association between anxiety and depression and three key factors: social support, medical mistrust, and financial difficulty.

Individuals with low social support were almost 3 times as likely to have depression. 

Social support can take many different forms and depends on the needs or desires of the individual. Some ways to provide this type of support include being present and listening actively, helping navigating appointments and treatment, assisting with daily tasks, and checking in regularly. 

It is important to note that social support looks different for everyone and can change over time.  

Study participants who reported high levels of medical mistrust were more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety. 

For individuals newly diagnosed with blood cancer, medical mistrust may stem from a combination of negative past experiences, poor provider communication, and broader healthcare system barriers.  

Building trust through clear communication and shared decision-making can help reduce feelings of medical mistrust over time.  

Financial difficulty was associated with a high rate of both anxiety and depression. 

Financial stress can arise from high treatment costs, extended care needs, and time away from work. This is especially true for people who are newly diagnosed with blood cancer. 

A financial counselor can help you understand both your insurance coverage and estimated out-of-pocket costs. They can also point you to resources that assist patients in covering the cost of their care. 

For more information on financial resources, click below: 

 Financial Support Resources

Support is available and can improve quality of life

For people newly diagnosed with lymphoma or myeloma, the emotional impact can be overwhelming.  Feeling anxious or depressed is not uncommon when a person is experiencing the initial shock of diagnosis, challenges adjusting to treatment and lifestyle changes, and uncertainty about the future.  Knowing what to expect and how to find support can make a significant difference in your quality of life. 

Sharing your insights and experience with blood cancer leads to a deeper understanding of the patient experience, improved treatments, earlier diagnoses, and a better understanding of how the disease affects different people.

Click the link below to participate in real-world data studies through short surveys that can lead to better outcomes for the entire community. 

 HealthTree Cure Hub 

Source:

• Ash 2025: Anxiety and depression among patients newly diagnosed with lymphoma and myeloma